SUPPORT OUR JOURNALISM: Please consider donating to keep our website running and free for all - thank you!

Features

George, Charlotte and Louis made a touching gesture to King Charles at Trooping – at Catherine’s command

Prince Louis and Prince George join Prince William and King Charles on the balcony of Buckingham Palace

King Charles received a very touching nod, quite literally, at Trooping the Colour from Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

And it was their mum, the Princess of Wales, who made sure the youngsters got the sweet tribute right.

As the Ascot Landau carriage carrying the Princess and her children approached the dais outside Buckingham Palace where The King was taking a salute, the three children all bowed their heads.

The Princess of Wales with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis ride in an Ascot Landau at Trooping the Colour
The Princess of Wales with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis ride in an Ascot Landau at Trooping the Colour BBC still/ fair use

It was a sweet gesture to their grandfather who was marking his official birthday. The Sovereign’s Birthday Parade, known as Trooping the Colour, is the traditional celebration. This year, the Coldstream Guards trooped their colour.

Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10 and 7 year old Prince Louis had earlier travelled to Horse Guards Parade by carriage with the Princess of Wales to watch Trooping the Colour.

While the Princess joined King Charles and Queen Camilla on the main dais, an honoured position for Catherine, her children enjoyed the ceremony from inside a building overlooking Horse Guards.

Later, they joined the whole Royal Family on the balcony for a flypast which included a spectacular display by the Red Arrows.

And Prince Louis couldn’t resist chatting happily to his grandfather who he has a special bond with.

Trooping comes at the start of a busy time for the Royal Family who will next be together at Windsor in just a few days time for the Order of the Garter.

About author

Lydia Starbuck is Editor in Chief at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.